Long-Term Trial Demonstrates the Advantages of GM Canola

A long term trial has demonstrated the potential yield and advantages that a genetically modified canola variety offers Australian grain growers. The study, led by Charles Sturt University (CSU) professor Jim Pratley, compared the yield and economic performance of a GM herbicide tolerant canola with conventional canola varieties over a typical five-year crop rotation system.

 “GM herbicide tolerant canola has been widely grown in Canada since 1996, and made up 82 per cent, or 4.3 million hectares, of the 2005 crop. However, it has not been assessed in long-term Australian conservation farming systems, until now” said Pratley. Results of the study showed that Roundup Ready® canola exhibited superior weed control, higher yields and oil quality and better profits when compared to current common canola varieties grown under conventional weed management systems.

The project was conducted under the strict protocols and conditions applied by the national Office of the Gene Technology Regulator to obtain local data on the performance of the GM variety in Australia. A report was submitted to the New South Wales, Victorian and South Australian Government’s GM Moratoria Review Panels. The CSU researchers recommended that the government revoke the current moratorium on the commercial cultivation of GM canola.

The full report is available at http://news.csu.edu.au/uploads/documents/Delivering_Market_Choice_with_GM_canola_-_FINAL_-_1MB.pdf